30 Best Graduation Dresses for Every Kind of Ceremony in 2025
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Congratulationsâyouâve made it to the end of your academic career (at least this era of it)! Now comes the deceptively hard part: finding the best graduation dresses. The goal is something cute and celebratory that wonât pull too much focus under your graduation gown. (A reasonable price tag would also be nice.) And because weâve all been there, our editors are here to help you find the perfect spring dress for your ceremony.
What should you wear to a graduation ceremony? Weâll get into the full list of dos and donâts below, but the main takeaway is that you want a dress thatâll fit under a robeâdramatic puff sleeves and floor-skimming hems are pretty much no-gos. White is traditional and the most popular color weâve seen, but donât be afraid of pastels and jewel tones as long as they fit any dress code set by your school. Ready to get your big-day outfit settled? These are the best graduation dresses of 2025, vetted by Glamour editors.
Glamourâs graduation dress wish listThe Amazon Gem: Zesica Boho Floral Midi-Dress, $51The Puff-Sleeve Find: August Sky Puff-Sleeve Midi-Dress, $40The Embroidered Number: Lulus Lovable Aesthetic Minidress, $59The Springy Midi: Reformation Lela Dress, $248The Pretty Gown: Prettygarden Flowy Summer Dress, $48The Boho Dress: For Love & Lemons Livia Linen Midi-Dress, $310The Scene Stealer: Amanda Uprichard Rendezvous Dress, $255The Dressed-Down Pick: Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Mini, $80What is the best color to wear to graduation?
White is the most popular dress color weâve seen for graduation, followed closely by black. These neutrals feel classic and formal, which is perfect for such an important occasion. However, you can wear any color to your ceremony, especially if it complements the shade of your graduation robes; donât be afraid to show some personality, since this is your big moment. Pastels like petal pink and powder blue are great for late spring and early summer. Be sure to pay attention to your schoolâs graduation dress code, which might encourage or prohibit certain colors.
Are long or short dresses better for graduation?
Weâll always recommend short and midi-length dresses for graduation ceremonies, since theyâre the easiest to walk in and wonât peek out below your gown. But again, this is a choice thatâs up to youâjust practice your walk, especially if youâll be on turf or stairs.
What not to wear under a graduation gown?
You should reconsider wearing anything thatâll mess with the appearance and drape of your gown, like puff sleeves, voluminous skirts, low hemlines, and high necks. And remember that not all dresses are made the same; itâs better to go a little too formal than to lean too casual. (The picks below will have you covered.) And pay attention to your footwear, since kitten heels, Mary Janes, and block heels are easier for walking across a long stage or a football field than, say, stilettos.
Best white graduation dressesWhen in doubt, go with a white dress for graduation. You canât go wrong with the classic color, which elevates any silhouette and coordinates with any school colors. Whether you prefer a classic midi or a mini with a trendy flat collar, these picks will look great in photos and wonât mess with your gown. Accessorize with minimal jewelry and metallic sandals for an elevated yet low-effort outfit.
Zesica Boho Floral Midi-Dress
House of CB Debutante Backless Midi-Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Cap-Sleeve Minidress
Lulus Adorable Poise Pearl Puff-Sleeve Minidress
Hollister Strapless Bow Minidress
Reformation Soraya Linen Dress
Best midi graduation dressesThese dresses run the gamut from casual to formal, but theyâre all completely dreamyâisnât that what you want on your big day? Weâre getting a little more playful with color here, since there are very few reasons not to wear bold yellow, sky blue, or pastel pink under your gown. Better yet, youâll be able to rewear all of these gems long after you collect your degree. (Tropical vacation, anyone?)
Free People Salvador Printed Midi-Dress
J.Crew Drop-Waist Mixy Dress
Anrabess Square-Neck Ruffle Dress
American Eagle Corset Tie-Strap Floral Midi-Dress
Reformation Lela Dress
For Love & Lemons Livia Linen Midi-Dress
Best short graduation dressesWhether you want to show off your legs or ensure that nothing peeks out under your robe, minidresses are ideal for graduation ceremonies. Each of these picks is formal enough for dressy ceremonies, while their above-the-knee length keeps them feeling young. Pair them with sculptural earrings and a blowout to add to the high-end vibes; go with strappy sandals for warm-weather celebrations.
Zesica Ruffle Tiered Minidress
Abercrombie & Fitch Slash-Neck Minidress
Six Stories Drop-Hem Minidress
Anthropologie Embroidered Somerset Minidress
ASOS Design Curve Corset Full-Skirt Minidress
Self-Portrait Appliquéd Minidress
Best formal graduation dressesEven if your ceremony isnât explicitly labeled âformal,â itâs never a bad idea to go with a nicer option. We love that these numbers capture the spirit of a cocktail dress code without looking like wedding guest dresses; sometimes, all you need to look put-together is an A-line dress and a matching pair of heels. And yes, minis can totally be formal (as long as you lean into elevated accessories, hair, and makeup when youâre getting ready).
Reformation Everett Linen Dress
Staud Wells Dress
Lulus Lovable Aesthetic Embroidered Tie-Strap Minidress
Azazie Atelier Kia Floral Pleated Midi-Dress
Amanda Uprichard Rendezvous Dress
Prettygarden One-Shoulder Dress
Best graduation dresses under $50While it would be incredible to choose any grad dress you want, letâs be realistic: Youâre probably working with a studentâs budget. Thankfully, these $50-or-less picks overdeliver on looks and charm. How about a short ball gown, a draped slipdress, or a puff-sleeve number thatâs actually graduation-gown-friendly? Youâll find them here starting at just $40.
Zattcas Smocked Dress
Prettygarden Flowy Summer Dress
Prettygarden Midi Satin Dress
Mogidol Cowl-Neck Backless Midi-Dress
August Sky Puff-Sleeve Smocked Midi-Dress
Zesica Square-Neck Puff-Sleeve Dress
